NBA Trade Rumors: Rajon Rondo For Eric Bledsoe? Celtics Lose Out On Kevin Love, Ready To Acquire Assets In Exchange For Team Captain! Suns To Sign And Trade Disgruntled Guard!

By Knox Stradler | August 10, 2014 01:32 PM EDT

After the Big Chip has fallen, Rajon Rondo is now the king of the Trade Rumor mill. The Celtics were hoping to land Love and pair him with their captain, but without another star, they stand to see him walk away next year.

The best option, just like what Minnesota did, is to trade him for assets. There is still a big free agent available, and if the Celtics would agree to pay him, the Suns would send Eric Bledsoe on his way.

For what it's worth, the Celtics did try its best, but they got outgunned by the power shift caused by LeBron James.

Celtics majority partner Wyc Grousbeck told the Boston Globe: "I said we'd try for fireworks and we tried," Grousbeck said. "I'm reasonably content that first of all we tried as hard as we could and second of all we added some good pieces. But we have maintained our draft picks and we've maintained more building in the future as opposing to firing all the bullets now. We're going to have to go the more patient route."

Rondo would probably not be willing to wait around for that-Danny Ainge knows this. Now he could take advantage of the Phoenix Suns' stalemate with Bledsoe.

"For the Suns, it would give them the kind of difference-maker they'll need in the near future to get to the playoffs and potentially make a run.

Remember, Rondo has consistently been at his best when the games matter most. And while Phoenix has a number of point guards already, none have shown the ability to elevate their game the way Rondo has throughout his career."

Rondo may be the leader the Suns are looking for. He can play with either Dragic or Isaiah Thomas and be their clutch time player as the young Phoenix team lacks playoff veterans.

On the other hand:

"In Bledsoe, Boston would add another young, dynamic player to a roster that's already overflowing with good talent.

Because of Bledsoe's athleticism and ability to score, he could play either guard position, which would allow him to play off the ball with rookie Marcus Smart running the point, or at the point with Avery Bradley at shooting guard."

Bledsoe wants the money, and the Celtics have declared they are willing to go to luxury tax territory to acquire stars.

The only caveat for a possible sign and trade is the Suns' willingness to take a risk on Rondo leaving for free agency at the end of the season. If they can work that out, then this could be the next deal coming down.

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